NEW DELHI, March 20 � To boost radio coverage in the north eastern region, 19 new FM stations are being set up by Prasar Bharati (PB) during the next financial year with a budgetary allocation of Rs 40 crore.
The new FM stations are envisaged to be set up under the North-east Special Package. The package would strengthen and improve coverage in the region including the border areas, according to the Outcome Budget (2010-2011) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
According to the report, out of the 19 sites, 15 sites have been finalised. Remaining four sites in Tamenglong and Ukhrul in Manipur, Zunehboto in Nagaland and Anini in Arunachal Pradesh are yet to be acquired.
The report said that FM stations in Goalpara, Lumding, Bomdila, Daporijo, Khonsa, Tuipang, Champai and Kolasib are targeted for completion by June. Work in Karimganj, Cherapunjee, Wokha, and Phek is expected to start by March, said the report.
The report has stated that in Goalpara, Chemphai, Phek and Kolasib a high-powered transmission line, which is passing through the allotted land is yet to be shifted by local PWD. This is hampering the progress.
Further, it was reported that there is law and order problem in many areas particularly in Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.
